Alcohol Suspected in Van Wert County Fatal Crash

PLEASANT TWP – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred on January 16^th at 10:31 a.m. in Pleasant Twp., Van Wert County on Marsh Road, near US Route 224.   

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Ford Focus, driven by Jarett Catlin, 33 of Scott, was traveling north bound on Marsh Road. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, losing control, slid across the center line and off the right side of the roadway, striking a utility pole.

Mr. Catlin suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Caitlin was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and alcohol impairment is believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Van Wert Police Department, Van Wert County Coroner’s Office, Van Wert EMS and Fire Department, Van Wert County EMA, CERT, Gideon’s Towing and AEP Power.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to always wear their seatbelt, never drive impaired and to consider slowing their driving speeds on snow covered roadways.

The crash remains under investigation.